Fact vs. Myths: Bed Bugs In Washington D.C.
01/20/2022
Our Approach to Bed Bug Control
Getting rid of bed bugs is stressful. Tossing out an infested mattress will not solve the problem. What you need is a bed bug control program developed by experienced entomologists. At American Pest, our team of bed bug experts are highly trained, licensed pest control professionals who are ready to help you evict these uninvited houseguests.
We use an advanced technology known as thermal remediation (or in laymen’s terms, heat treatment) to safely and efficiently exterminate bed bugs in D.C., MD and NOVA homes. Bed bug heat treatments are:
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Effective in killing adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs – in other words, all stages of bed bug life.
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Safe for most of your belongings and an environmentally responsible bed bug solution.
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Efficient in that it takes only one day and only one treatment to exterminate bed bugs.
How Bed Bug Heat Treatments Work:
Specialized mobile heating units are used within the bed bug infested room(s) to heat and maintain air temperatures between 120°F to 135°F – the temperature range known to kill all stages of bed bug development.
American Pest may use heat treatments in combination with residual product applications or other bed bug control methods to ensure the highest efficacy in eliminating bed bugs.
What Must Be Done Prior to Your Heat Treatment?
Before American Pest will schedule a heat treatment, we must be certain that the pests infesting your home are actually bed bugs. We’ll determine this by conducting an inspection of the premises. We have a couple of options when it comes to bed bug inspections and they are:
Visual Inspection Performed by a Trained Pest Professional
American Pest will dispatch a pest control technician to your home to determine if bed bugs are present and if so, evaluate the severity of the infestation. This type of bed bug inspection typically takes 20 minutes to an hour and is limited by where the technician can see. He or she will inspect beds, furniture and other visible areas for live bugs and other signs of bed bugs.
K-9 Bed Bug Inspections
With an adept sense of smell, scent detection dogs possess the unique ability to detect bed bugs quickly and efficiently and with little disruption to your home. Unlike human inspection, canines are not limited by where they can see. Their powerful nose can detect live bed bugs and viable bed bug eggs that are in visible areas as well as ones hidden beneath carpet, behind baseboards, and in cluttered areas.
Let our bed bug exterminators resolve all your bed bug issues- help is only a call or click away! We have been happy to provide bed bug control to homeowners in D.C., Maryland and Virginia since their resurgence in the 90s and even before that. If your home has been affected by these biting insects, contact the experienced bed bug exterminators at American Pest today!
What Causes Bed Bugs?
First, it’s important to note that bed bugs are non-discriminatory pests, they don’t care how grand or how little your home is, if it’s sparkling clean or a mess. All they’re after is a blood meal and they can find that anywhere people congregate. Homeowners often discover bed bugs after:
They’ve arrived home from a vacation or business trip. Bed bugs are notorious for being found in beds and may hitch a ride on your suitcase from the airport or train station. They can also be found on planes, trains, taxis, and other public transportation. In fact, entomologists speculate that the rising cases of bed bug infestations may be due, in part, to increased international travel.
Bringing home used furniture, mattresses or other secondhand items. If you see items on the side of the road marked free, keep driving by as it could be infested and discarded by the previous owner. You should also be careful when browsing at moving or garage sales and even at second hand stores. If you decide that the item is a must have, inspect very carefully (paying special attention to seams) for live bed bugs or signs of them.
Having houseguests in residence. Welcoming out of town family and friends for the holidays or just because is exciting. It can also lead to bed bug infestations. Your guests may have traveled on public transportation or stayed at a hotel a night or two when in route to your house. They may unknowingly bring bed bugs into your dwelling.
Picking your college student up. School dormitories have become a hot spot for bed bug activity and if your child hasn’t been careful, he or she could accidentally bring bed bugs back on their belongings.
Other Services Available
Preferred Care Programs
Protect your home and family from nuisance and potentially damaging pests with a Preferred Care home pest control plan. Starting at $49/month
Bed Bug Services
Don't let the bed bugs bite a second longer. Contact American Pest for the most comprehensive bed bug control in the industry. Learn More
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